Casillas Interested In Joining Manchester City Next Summer - Report

Casillas lost his place in the Real Madrid starting line-up last season. [Reuters]

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is willing to leave his club next summer and according to the Spanish media a move to Manchester City would be his preferred choice.

Spanish nespaper AS claims that Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour met last Sunday to talk about Casillas' future. Apparently, the Middle Eastern billionaire told Perez that they are interested in signing Casillas.

Onda Cero Radio Station also confirmed the news and added that Casillas will be happy to join Manchester City next summer if his situation at Real Madrid does not change.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper is considered one of the best in the world but he lost his place in the starting line-up last season, under Jose Mourinho, and this year is still the second choice for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Casillas is only playing in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Diego Lopez is the Real Madrid number one in La Liga.

Casillas likes the Premier League and although he has spent the last 22 years at Real Madrid he is reportedly considering moving to Manchester next summer. He is 32 years old and wants to spend the end of his career as a number one and not on the bench.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini, who managed Casillas during one season in Spain, could be a key factor for his transfer. Furthermore, Manchester City goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor knows him well while Spanish compatriots Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, David Silva and Javi Garcia could also play an important role in the goalkeeper's decision.

Pellegrini has left Joe Hart on the bench in favour of Costel Pantilimon in the last few games, and the Chilean manager is considering signing another goalkeeper for next season. In the last few weeks, City have also been linked with Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes and Malaga's Willy Caballero.